Reply To: Having troubles with aluminum

So from what you’re saying, the z axis is the most important for rigidity? Would a 24″x21″ work area with a short z axis be ok for milling aluminium?

Also would having a bit of “spare” z axis length cause any rigidity issues?

e.g. If you make the length of the z axis to allow for 6 or 7 inches of usable length but you made the legs short so that you only actually used 4 inches? I’m considering doing something like that in case I want to use the extra length later on. I could just put longer legs on at that point and make use of the extra z length.

Looks like you’ve got everything setup great in that video with the DeWalt. What was the size of the work area on that machine?